Campaigning for Telangana’s first phase Panchayat elections comes to a close

Campaigning for the first phase of Telangana’s village panchayat elections concluded on Tuesday evening at 5 PM. Candidates for sarpanch and ward member positions across the villages in this phase actively engaged in intense campaigning.

This election saw a significant number of young candidates entering the fray, competing against experienced political leaders. The campaigns largely focused on local village issues and development promises. In this phase, a total of 4,236 sarpanch seats and 37,440 ward member seats are up for election.

Among these, 395 sarpanch seats and 9,331 ward seats are uncontested. Polling for the remaining seats is scheduled for December 11. Election officials have completed all arrangements at polling centers, and attention now turns to the emergence of new local leadership in the villages.

Kamareddy Superintendent of Police Rajesh Chandra stated that all arrangements have been made to ensure the local body elections are conducted peacefully and fairly. Police have deployed extensive security measures across all areas. Additional forces have been stationed at polling centers to prevent any untoward incidents.

He also highlighted the implementation of the 44-hour ‘silent period’ before polling, during which rallies, meetings, and political advertising are strictly prohibited. Any violations of the model code of conduct will be met with strict action. Special attention has been given to sensitive areas, with extra patrolling and vigilance planned on polling day. The SP urged voters to exercise their rights without fear.

In Rajanna Sircilla district, Additional Collector Gaddam Nagesh inspected election preparations for the first phase of the panchayat polls. He reviewed the distribution centers and strong rooms to ensure all arrangements were complete.

The Additional Collector directed officials to provide election staff with all necessary facilities, including drinking water, rest areas, and equipment. He emphasized careful supervision of the distribution of voting materials and strict security measures at strong rooms, including CCTV monitoring and 24-hour guards. All efforts are being made to ensure smooth and peaceful polling.